The Late Late Show: Patrick Kielty Shines with Slick and Suave Debut

The Late Late Show: Patrick Kielty Takes Over as New Host

The Late Late Show, the oldest institution in Irish broadcasting, has entered a new chapter with the debut of Patrick Kielty as the new host. Taking over from Ryan Tubridy after a summer of discontent at Montrose, Kielty waste no time in addressing the elephant in the room – the Tubridy payments controversy. With his background in comedy, Kielty used his quickfire wit and humor to make light of the situation, delivering jokes that his predecessor would never have dared to make. However, Kielty also showed a sincere side, sharing the story of his family’s journey and expressing his honor to host The Late Late Show.

The Redesign and Kielty’s Performance

The Late Late Show unveiled a grand redesign, with Kielty bringing a slicker and more suave presence to the show. The set has been updated to an electric blue color, departing from the previous smart mahogany scheme associated with Tubridy. First impressions of Kielty as the host are positive, as he combines quickfire wit with sincerity, creating a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. However, it remains to be seen if he can sustain this balance throughout the entire show.

The Opening Guests

Kielty’s first guests on the show were the podcasting trio Tommy Tiernan, Hector Ó hEochagáin and Laurita Blewitt. While Tiernan is a regular on RTÉ, the inclusion of familiar Montrose stars as guests may lead to concerns that The Late Late Show is stuck in a cycle of interviewing its own. Viewers will hope for a more diverse and exciting lineup of guests in the future. However, Kielty’s ability to switch between humor and earnestness is showcased when he welcomes the former president Mary McAleese. The discussion on national reunification and the personal connection to Kielty’s father’s murder by the UFF provide a poignant and serious moment on the show.

Gimmicks and Empathy

Kielty seems to have taken inspiration from Graham Norton when it comes to incorporating gimmicks into the show. He engages with the audience by featuring a live feed to a pub in his hometown, promising free drinks if he says a specific word. This adds an element of fun and excitement to the show. The evening concludes with an interview with soccer international James McClean, where Kielty demonstrates empathy and sensitivity in discussing the complexities of McClean’s life, including the sectarian abuse he faces in the UK and his autism diagnosis.

The Late Late Show’s Future and Kielty’s Impact

The Late Late Show, being RTÉ’s biggest franchise, now holds greater significance than just providing high ratings. The payments controversy and the declining number of people paying the license fee have cast a gloomy cloud over RTÉ, potentially leading to a cost of €21 million. With this immense financial burden, The Late Late Show could determine the survival or ruination of the broadcaster. As the new host, Kielty shoulders a heavy responsibility. However, his debut performance indicates that he is ready to face the challenge head-on. Kielty’s ability to inject excitement and the refreshing changing of the guard bring a sense of invigoration to the show.

Keywords:

Late Night Talk Show, Late Late Show, Patrick Kielty, debut, entertainment, talk show, television, comedy